Forest Service begins prescribed burning season

Published: Monday, January 5, 2009 at 5:07 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, January 5, 2009 at 5:08 p.m.

OCALA NATIONAL FOREST - The U.S. Forest Service is beginning its prescribed burning season in the Ocala National Forest.

These fires are conducted to restore the ecosystem, improve habitat for threatened and endangered species and reduce the materials that can burn in a wildfire in areas near urban communities.

Drivers and residents should be aware that wind shifts could increase smoke on the road during these burns and should reduce speed and turn on headlights if the smoke lowers visibility.

Forest residents who are sensitive to smoke may call the Ocala Fire Center at 352-759-2081 to be placed on the burn notification list. People on this list will be contacted if a prescribed burn is taking place near them.

<p>OCALA NATIONAL FOREST - The U.S. Forest Service is beginning its prescribed burning season in the Ocala National Forest.</p><p>These fires are conducted to restore the ecosystem, improve habitat for threatened and endangered species and reduce the materials that can burn in a wildfire in areas near urban communities.</p><p>Drivers and residents should be aware that wind shifts could increase smoke on the road during these burns and should reduce speed and turn on headlights if the smoke lowers visibility.</p><p>Forest residents who are sensitive to smoke may call the Ocala Fire Center at 352-759-2081 to be placed on the burn notification list. People on this list will be contacted if a prescribed burn is taking place near them.</p><p><i>- Susan Latham Carr</i></p>